University of Kalahari - Kalahari Resorts and Conventions

University of Kalahari
2016 Internship Programs
Kalahari Resorts & Conventions is committed to developing tomorrow’s
hospitality leaders. We provide a unique opportunity that could lead to a future
career at one of our three current resorts, or upcoming projects! Our
internships are categorized into five different experiences - Hospitality
Overview, Supervisor & Leader, Culinary, Hospitality Communications or
Manager-In-Training. The programs are currently offered in: Wisconsin
Dells, Wisconsin | Sandusky, Ohio | Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania.
Why Choose Kalahari Resorts & Conventions?
As the leader in the waterpark industry, Kalahari has been known as an
innovator. As a family-owned company, you’ll get a chance to feel the
presence of the family and their passion for hospitality, plus learn the
inner-workings of a successful entrepreneurial brand. You could even make
a difference that becomes part of ongoing corporate policy.
To feel the brand, you must live the culture. You need to see the sense of
urgency by which effective leaders live. It’s all an aligned effort to push
the envelope and grow the brand – one Beyond Expectations moment at a
time.
We’ll immerse you in specific University of Kalahari training, expose you to new adventures and involve
you in manager functions. We’re so much more than the #WorldsCoolestWaterparks!
Length of Program
The Hospitality Overview and Supervisor & Leader program can begin at any time and end at any
time, but must be at least 60 shifts. Selected students will discuss their availability of dates prior to
acceptance. Culinary internships/externships may vary greatly, based on the requirements of the
institution. Hospitality Communications and the Manager-In-Training positions are (1) year in length.
Hours will be varied and students will need to be available to work 40-hours per week with open
availability. During an interview, positions may be - at times - offered on the spot. This internship is
paid, and the expectation is that this would be your only job.
Examples of program periods we are seeking include:
2016 summer break only
2016 summer break plus fall semester
A year-long internship
Special Projects
Projects
Interns, except Culinary Interns, will be required to complete a project - sometimes on their own time and present their findings to management. Your chosen project will detail areas for revenue growth,
potential cost savings or an opportunity to affect the guest experience.
Housing & Transportation
Kalahari Resorts does not provide housing, but through community relationships, there are very
affordable options. Resort staff can assist you through the housing search and in finding a
roommate, if you desire.
Wisconsin: Dorm-style housing is available about 8 miles from the
resort, at a nearby college (UW-Baraboo). Additionally, the
Wisconsin Dells Visitor & Convention Bureau hosts an updated file
on their website with other available local options.
Ohio: A limited number of partners cater to our students, so
timeliness is important. We do have a community liaison on staff to
assist.
Pennsylvania: This is our newest property, having opened July 1, 2015, and we are still developing
community partners. We have secured dorm-style housing at East Stroudsburg University, but interns
are able to contract housing with any available option.
It will be necessary to have reliable transportation at all locations.
Intern Application & Selection Process
After reading about our programs, you’ll want to apply!
Please submit material via one of the following ways. As part
of your application, it should include a resume and a cover
letter that details: which property you are interested in, which
program you have chosen to apply for, what date you could
start on, what specific department/rotation are you applying
for, specific reasons why you would like to join our team, and
general notes about housing.
Remember, you’re applying to a business, and the internship acceptance process can be competitive.
Please take time to put forth your best effort. Each resort employs between 10-16 interns per year,
and searches for the best possible candidates. The program is full when the last intern has been hired,
so there is no application deadline. Most interviews will be done via Skype.
In person:
By mail:
E-mail:
At any HR office
Kalahari Resorts & Conventions
Attn: Jason Manke, Director of Culture & Employment
P.O. Box 590
1305 Kalahari Drive
Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
[email protected]
The Hospitality Overview Program
This track is a presentation of Kalahari’s brand and culture, while learning what hospitality means to our
company. You will learn and work in a fast-paced environment, while making a daily difference in two
of our three key departments.
This is a working internship, open to students ranging from incoming
freshman to seniors – although geared toward those needing basic
experience in a hospitality environment.
You will be expected to engage with guests and perform the job functions
of a line-level hospitality associate.
The goal of this internship is to experience multiple departments, and to set you up for future growth
opportunities. Successful students will have opportunities to grow within our company. This one
internship could turn into a career!
Below are the three major areas of emphasis. A Hospitality Overview intern will experience positions in
two of the three resort areas listed below – each lasting for approximately half of your experience.
Your desires for placement would be discussed during an interview.
ROOMS DIVISION
Our guests are accustomed to experiencing a high-level of guest service during their stay. Participants
will be able to ensure that guests receive that service at first contact, and that it’s maintained throughout
their stay. Positions include:
Front Desk Agent, Concierge, Bell Service, Housekeeping, Laundry, Maintenance and/or Security
WATERPARK
Generally reserved for majors such as: Park & Recreation
or Sport & Event Management, but open to anyone.
Everyone choosing this area would be Red Cross certified.
A Waterpark Intern will be involved in:
Lifeguard, Waterpark Maintenance and Park Keeper. Some
students may be able to assist in lifeguard training &
supervising.
FOOD & BEVERAGE
All Kalahari properties have multiple concepts, from quick service areas, coffee and scratch-pastry shop,
multiple sit-down restaurants, huge beverage operations, to a full-service convention center with
banquet and catering programs. As a Food & Beverage Intern you will gain the unforgettable
experience of being part of our front-of-the-house team, through rotational rolls such as:
Food Server, Cocktail Server/Cabana Host, Host/Hostess, Bartender, Conventions Server, Expediter and/or
Cashier
Hospitality Overview Program Continued
You will also have a chance to cross-train in up to four other areas of your choosing, to include:
Activities
Retail
Ride Attendant
Convention Server
Room Inspector
Cabana Host
Character
Barista
Maintenance
Security
Early in your experience, you’ll be allowed to train in multiple areas. Having an increased skill-set will
be valuable during times of heavy business volumes. Those areas will be decided based on your desire
and resort need.
What to Expect
As a leader in the hospitality business, we
strive to be the best in our industry in four
categories: play, stay, eat and meet. In
accomplishing that vision, we need a strong
line-level staff that understands hospitality –
something not everyone can get their arms
around.
We’ll be exposing you to a number of varied
activities, all of which you can track inside
your Intern Passport.
Example Timeline
The Supervisor & Leader Program
This track offers: on-the-job training, exciting guest interaction, mentoring relationships with regular
coaching, and an opportunity to connect and build life-long relationships with hospitality leaders and
peers. There are a limited number of spots available in this program. This internship is a blend of frontline work, mixed with serving in supervisory roles. The experiences are listed on the next page, where
you’ll apply for one area. This experience does not rotate from department-to-department, but you
may be asked to help in other areas as business volumes vary.
One or more of these criteria must apply, to be eligible:
• Have significant experience in the hospitality industry
• Have completed the Hospitality Overview Program
• Have previously been a Kalahari Resorts Associate
• Be ready to graduate in 2016 or 2017
Along with your work experience, you will be paid to take three University of Kalahari courses, visit with
Kalahari leaders, and (if interning in Wisconsin) a tour our corporate headquarters and top-secret
Theme Shop.
We view this experience as a chance for you to showcase
your talents and to make a positive difference. Successful
interns will be strongly considered to remain with the
company after graduation.
We take approximately four Supervisor & Leader Program
interns per property. Since the Supervisor & Leader
program began in 2011, 15 students have selected Kalahari
Resorts as their post-graduation employer of choice.
We want you to assist us in leading people, but first you’ll
have to prove that you can be a hospitality champion.
“Before you embark on this adventure, there are a few things you should know. First, this is a growing
company that welcomes insight from a young professional. During your time at Kalahari, if you
experience something you feel could be improved, speak-up. Second, this is a family company that is
willing to grow each associate, but as I’ve found - their interns are important. Take advantage of this,
and look for ways to improve the experience.
Kalahari is a fun place, and you’ll meet people from all around the world. Embrace it.”
–Sarah Bellamy, Eastern Kentucky Graduate - 2014 Wisconsin Dells Intern,
current PA Adventurers Club Manager
Supervisor & Leader Program Continued
ROOMS DIVISION
Our guests are accustomed to experiencing a high-level of guest service during their stay. Participants
will be able to ensure that guests receive that service at first contact, and that it’s maintained throughout
their stay. Our goal is to work you from a line-level position to a point where you can lead people. It
will be up to you to prove to us that you’re ready. Positions include, and could rotate between:
Front Office, Housekeeping, Laundry
DRY PARK OPERATIONS
Wisconsin: Kalahari offers everything from bowling, to a Ferris wheel, 5D theatre, rock climbing, ropes
course, laser tag and mini golf inside the Indoor Theme Park (ITP). Ohio: The Safari Outdoor Adventure
Park (SOAP) offers a ropes course, zip lines and climbing wall. A recreation/sport management
background is preferred. Dry Park Operations interns will be involved in operation of the waterpark,
too. Pennsylvania: Not offered. | DPO Interns will experience all aspects of running large amusement
venues.
FOOD & BEVERAGE
All properties have multiple concepts, from quick service areas, coffee and scratch-pastry shop, multiple
sit-down restaurants, huge beverage operations, to full-service convention centers with banquet and
catering programs. As a Food & Beverage Intern you will gain the unforgettable experience of being
part of our front-of-the house team, through roles such as:
Food Server, Cocktail Server/Cabana Host, Host/Hostess, Bartender, Conventions Server, Expediter and/or
Cashier
Our goal is to build your skills to where you can assist in the supervision and management of an outlet.
CONSTRUCTION/DEVELOPMENT
One intern will get the chance to work at the corporate headquarters, diving into and assisting with
potential or ongoing construction projects. This intern will need to have organizational skills and
significant knowledge in spreadsheet development/editing. Construction knowledge would be a plus.
WATERPARK
With three of the largest indoor waterparks in the United States, Kalahari Waterpark Interns will have
an experience like no other. You will have the opportunity to do everything from helping to open the
outdoor park, lifeguarding, supervising, scheduling, park operations and basic maintenance.
HUMAN RESOURCES
Human Resources carry the voice of the associates, acts as business partner to achieve company goals,
and continuously promotes diversity and inclusion in our company's culture. A HR intern’s duties can
include: HRIS projects, applicant tracking, file management, uniform management, and international
student program administration.
MARKETING
It takes talented associates to develop, produce and measure marketing initiatives. Among other duties,
the selected intern (s) would gain experience dealing with digital/social media and print distribution.
Kalahari offers up to two marketing positions – and both are located at our corporate headquarters in
Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. | Having an advanced knowledge of InDesign is a requirement.
Hospitality Communications Program
ONLY AVAILABLE IN WISCONSIN DELLS, WISCONSIN
This is a hands-on working internship, open to students ranging from incoming freshman to recently those
graduated within the last year. Early in the experience, you will be expected to engage with guests
and perform the job functions of a hospitality associate in a front office environment (front desk, PBX,
concierge, bell services) or in our Kalahari Experience Center (incoming call center).
RESPONSIBILITIES
In addition to basic hospitality, front office and call center training, you'll be entered into a 30-hour
leadership course. The course, offered through the University of Kalahari, helps set the stage to for
future growth opportunities by focusing on Kalahari Resorts' Supervisory Prep Program. The goal of this
internship is to experience multiple departments, where verbal and written communication is key.
VIEW OUR PASSION HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEomBUcdKxg
KNOWLEDGE OF COMPUTER HARDWARE OR SOFTWARE: Must be proficient in Windows software.
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: College course work in related field and/or experience in a hotel
or resort helpful.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Flexible and long hours sometimes required, that could include nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Work involves sitting and working at a computer monitor. Must be able to remain in a stationary
position 90% of the time.
• Constantly operate a computer and other office productivity machinery such as a computer, printer,
calculator, copy, and fax machines.
• Must be able to convey information and ideas clearly and have a willingness to make decisions.
• Must be able to evaluate and select among alternative courses of action quickly and accurately.
• Must be effective in handling problems in the workplace, including anticipating, preventing, identifying
and solving problems as necessary.
• Must be effective at listening to, understanding, and clarifying the issues raised by Associates,
Supervisors, Department Heads, Senior Management, and guests.
• Must be able to work well in stressful, high pressure situations; and maintain composure and objectivity
under pressure.
• Must be able to work with and understand financial information and data, and basic arithmetic
functions.
• Must be able to treat others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position.
• Ability to adapt to changes quickly; with the ability to change your approach or method to best fit the
situation during frequent changes, delays, or unexpected events.
• Ability to identify and solve problems in a timely manner; analyzing information quickly, and have the
ability to reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Ability to manage difficult or emotional customer situations; responding empathetically but with resort
profitability and operational needs in mind.
• Ability to listen to others without interrupting; keeping emotions under control and remaining open to
others’ ideas.
The ManagerManager-InIn-Training Program
MIT GOAL
The goal of the 12-month MIT program is to provide a comprehensive and practical hands-on training
program. At the successful completion of the program, participants will be ready to assume a
supervisory or management role.
One or more of these criteria must apply, to be eligible:
• Have significant experience in the hospitality industry
• Have significant business experience, looking to change careers
• Have completed a previous Kalahari internship program
• Current or previous Kalahari Resorts Associate
GROWTH
If job performance and assimilation to Kalahari Resorts’ culture are both successful, a promotion to a
supervisory or management position could occur during, or upon completion of the end of the program.
The MIT holds the key their success.
LOCATION COMMITMENT
This program begins in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. MITs will be placed in the flagship resort for a year,
and must be willing to work at any Kalahari, or Kalahari-managed property, upon the successful
completion of your program.
JOB ROTATIONS
An MIT will be placed in our Experience Center (inbound call center) to gain a firm understanding of all
departments, for a minimum of six months.
During that time, MITs will learn functional management skills, revenue management, and workflow
systems of other departments, all while building working and personal relationships across the property.
After Experience Center exposure, MITs will have a conference with Human Resources and the Director
of Rooms, in which they discuss the second half of the program.
It is our goal that we align your desires with our business needs. Our
wish is to place all MITs in their department of interest, should their
vision meet our expectations.
AN INQUISITIVE MIND
We only want the best and the brightest, and we’re relying on input
from MITs to help us grow. In your first six months, time will be set
aside to complete a research project.
MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT TRAINING
MITs will receive a minimum of 40-hours of management skills training
during the program, through the University of Kalahari.
BUDDY ASSIGNMENT
A Buddy is assigned upon arrival, and is someone who was a previous
University of Kalahari intern. They will be a confidant, support system,
and help the MIT get acclimated to the location.